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High School & Prep Hockey
Trying to sort this NCDC stuff out:
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
- Are they aiming for the jr/sr age prep kids that are too good for prep since they are on the older side and then that relates back to the kids that arent good enough to make the USHL....
Wait, wait....from what I've learned.
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
Yes. The average East Coast hockey player is a bit intimidated by a) being so far away from the apron strings and b) not being one of the better players on the ice. Big prep school first liner isn't to happy out in the Midwest being off of special teams and not playing with a shorten bench. Plus, mommy & daddy equate good education with writing big fat checks...and this will never change.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
Full season players will come from a) the same place the currently come from (good players from historically crappy high school teams) and b) kids who aren't thrilled by playing with 14 & 15 year olds and c) recruited kids whose coaches have told them to step it up a level in competition and c) kids who finish local high school and get no interest from NAHL or USHL teams..
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
Wait, what? A recent post here said prep players only pay $5k per year. High end public and C.C. kids might jump for more games and more exposure and my guess is it will be the Prep kids who have graduated, high end C.C. & public kids that want more games, more exposure and better competition. . . pretty much the same crowd the USPHL gets now. Maybe, just maybe they will get a few more international players. Euro, Russian, Canadians who couldn't cut it up there.
anon
Wait, wait....from what I've learned.
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
Yes. The average East Coast hockey player is a bit intimidated by a) being so far away from the apron strings and b) not being one of the better players on the ice. Big prep school first liner isn't to happy out in the Midwest being off of special teams and not playing with a shorten bench. Plus, mommy & daddy equate good education with writing big fat checks...and this will never change.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
Full season players will come from a) the same place the currently come from (good players from historically crappy high school teams) and b) kids who aren't thrilled by playing with 14 & 15 year olds and c) recruited kids whose coaches have told them to step it up a level in competition and c) kids who finish local high school and get no interest from NAHL or USHL teams..
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
Wait, what? A recent post here said prep players only pay $5k per year. High end public and C.C. kids might jump for more games and more exposure and my guess is it will be the Prep kids who have graduated, high end C.C. & public kids that want more games, more exposure and better competition. . . pretty much the same crowd the USPHL gets now. Maybe, just maybe they will get a few more international players. Euro, Russian, Canadians who couldn't cut it up there.
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
Yes. The average East Coast hockey player is a bit intimidated by a) being so far away from the apron strings and b) not being one of the better players on the ice. Big prep school first liner isn't to happy out in the Midwest being off of special teams and not playing with a shorten bench. Plus, mommy & daddy equate good education with writing big fat checks...and this will never change.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
Full season players will come from a) the same place the currently come from (good players from historically crappy high school teams) and b) kids who aren't thrilled by playing with 14 & 15 year olds and c) recruited kids whose coaches have told them to step it up a level in competition and c) kids who finish local high school and get no interest from NAHL or USHL teams..
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
Wait, what? A recent post here said prep players only pay $5k per year. High end public and C.C. kids might jump for more games and more exposure and my guess is it will be the Prep kids who have graduated, high end C.C. & public kids that want more games, more exposure and better competition. . . pretty much the same crowd the USPHL gets now. Maybe, just maybe they will get a few more international players. Euro, Russian, Canadians who couldn't cut it up there.
The kid who outgrows public d1,2 or 3 will jump to CC or Prep. The D1 or CC kid will look to jump to prep or FS midgets/ tier 3 jr's. The Prep school kid will look to finish up do a gap year or jump early if given an opportunity to play in a tier1 or 2 league and if not a tier 3 league. This is how it has been for the last 5 years. Now you have what was a good tier 3 league reducing it's tuition from $10k a year to zippo. Methinks this will only improve the talent in the league by bringing in kids from outside of the area and keeping some from leaving. I do not think it will take the place of the USHL.
Why is that hard for you to envision?
Why is that hard for you to envision, what?
I think everyone is in agreement.
- This will only improve the talent in the league by bringing in kids from outside of the area
- This might keep some from leaving
- No this will not take the place of the USHL
Yes we all envision this
Why is that hard for you to envision?
Another thing many locals overlook is the USHL experience might be the closest thing to professional hockey any of these kids will ever see. Entire communities back the teams, they fill the rinks with 3,000 - 6,000 fans every night depending upon the team's promotions, everything is not only free but many other perks around town are offered to players. Connections are formed with players, coaches and front office people who will be leading the sport in a few short years. And yes many go D-1 afterwards but I always wonder about the kid that plays in the USHL and ends up at a 'D-1 program' like Ferris State, Canisius or Bentley. "Where did everyone go...?"
anon
Trying to sort this NCDC stuff out:
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
- Are they aiming for the jr/sr age prep kids that are too good for prep since they are on the older side and then that relates back to the kids that arent good enough to make the USHL....
- They are trying to become the USHL of the east so kids out east dont have to go out west to play. Get that.
- Where are they going to get full season players from for the NCDC? Kids that dont make the USHL but are done with prep? They play NCDC for a season in hopes on finding a college or making a USHL team?
- Current prep kids wont leave their school to play full season NCDC for what mom and dad are paying at prep school. It may get some higher end public school kids but thats not going to be good enough hockey.
- Are they aiming for the jr/sr age prep kids that are too good for prep since they are on the older side and then that relates back to the kids that arent good enough to make the USHL....
I would say their aim initially is to compete with the NAHL and some of the jr b canadian teams. I think it will be a slight uptick to current Premiere league but will improve so over time. I think a kid in Prep school will see this as an opportunity if not ready to make jump to the USHL or does not want to go to or continue going to prep school. In this day and age many will opt out of Prep for better hockey. Many may not agree but many will.
Anon
anon
USPHL Premiere is most definitely stronger than all Prep, incl Elite 8 Schools and the powerhouse Independents. The Premiere teams are littered with Prep school standouts that have graduated and Tier 1 & Tier 2 Jr players who have come back east for one reason or another. Prep school hockey is good but younger and not as deep as in previous years. USPHL Premiere is mainly Gap year (former prep) standouts and elite younger players who want an alternative to Prep and not quite ready for the Midwest.
USPHL Premiere is stronger than all Prep? Really? Then why did USPHL NCDC, which is designed to be better than USPHL Premiere, draft a bunch of current prep kids?
For the very same reason the USHL does every year! Some will opt to play sooner than later. Some never at all.
Why is this a difficult concept for you to understand?
anon
Anon
anon
USPHL Premiere is most definitely stronger than all Prep, incl Elite 8 Schools and the powerhouse Independents. The Premiere teams are littered with Prep school standouts that have graduated and Tier 1 & Tier 2 Jr players who have come back east for one reason or another. Prep school hockey is good but younger and not as deep as in previous years. USPHL Premiere is mainly Gap year (former prep) standouts and elite younger players who want an alternative to Prep and not quite ready for the Midwest.
USPHL Premiere is stronger than all Prep? Really? Then why did USPHL NCDC, which is designed to be better than USPHL Premiere, draft a bunch of current prep kids?
For the very same reason the USHL does every year! Some will opt to play sooner than later. Some never at all.
Why is this a difficult concept for you to understand?
I will type this slowly so you can comprehend: If USPHL Premiere is definitely stronger than all Prep, why did the USPHL NCDC draft so many Prep kids? Furthermore, why did the USHL draft Prep kids?
Answer: Your premise is wrong. There are a number of Prep players who are better than most USPHL Premiere players, just as there are a number of USPHL Premiere players who are better than most Prep players. Your assertion that USPHL Premiere is better than all Prep is silly. And I disagree that USPHL Premiere is littered with former Prep standouts. Most former Prep standouts play USHL, NAHL, BCHL, etc.
Anon
anon
Anon
anon
USPHL Premiere is most definitely stronger than all Prep, incl Elite 8 Schools and the powerhouse Independents. The Premiere teams are littered with Prep school standouts that have graduated and Tier 1 & Tier 2 Jr players who have come back east for one reason or another. Prep school hockey is good but younger and not as deep as in previous years. USPHL Premiere is mainly Gap year (former prep) standouts and elite younger players who want an alternative to Prep and not quite ready for the Midwest.
USPHL Premiere is stronger than all Prep? Really? Then why did USPHL NCDC, which is designed to be better than USPHL Premiere, draft a bunch of current prep kids?
For the very same reason the USHL does every year! Some will opt to play sooner than later. Some never at all.
Why is this a difficult concept for you to understand?
I will type this slowly so you can comprehend: If USPHL Premiere is definitely stronger than all Prep, why did the USPHL NCDC draft so many Prep kids? Furthermore, why did the USHL draft Prep kids?
Answer: Your premise is wrong. There are a number of Prep players who are better than most USPHL Premiere players, just as there are a number of USPHL Premiere players who are better than most Prep players. Your assertion that USPHL Premiere is better than all Prep is silly. And I disagree that USPHL Premiere is littered with former Prep standouts. Most former Prep standouts play USHL, NAHL, BCHL, etc.
You do realize that the majority of kids that left Prep this past year for the USHL either ended up in a lower league, stayed but did not play much, or came back to Prep. These kids are the better kids in Prep but not quite ready for Tier 1 Jr's. Perhaps if the NCDC had been around last season, they would have had a better option. USPHL Premiere would have smacked Prep around.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
anon
You do realize that the majority of kids that left Prep this past year for the USHL either ended up in a lower league, stayed but did not play much, or came back to Prep. These kids are the better kids in Prep but not quite ready for Tier 1 Jr's. Perhaps if the NCDC had been around last season, they would have had a better option. USPHL Premiere would have smacked Prep around.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
Having a kid that plays Prep hockey, having seen the level of play in the USHL, and knowing kids that have made the jump, I'm just having a hard time seeing top players at top prep programs not able to play at the USHL level.
Anon
anon
You do realize that the majority of kids that left Prep this past year for the USHL either ended up in a lower league, stayed but did not play much, or came back to Prep. These kids are the better kids in Prep but not quite ready for Tier 1 Jr's. Perhaps if the NCDC had been around last season, they would have had a better option. USPHL Premiere would have smacked Prep around.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
Having a kid that plays Prep hockey, having seen the level of play in the USHL, and knowing kids that have made the jump, I'm just having a hard time seeing top players at top prep programs not able to play at the USHL level.
No disrespect intended. All of these kids are in great places and no doubt will have very successful careers. To answer your question:
Kid from Thayer who was the leading scorer in Prep as a Jr went out for Sr year and was back for Prep Season. Kid from Nobles came back for the season. TJW at Cushing was close to point a game in a season that he started off injured and was a -21 on 16 points in 47 games . Kid from BA who went out there and did not play much 53games 2 pointsts -12. Kid from AP, 2 games in the USHL. 43 games for SSK. There are others and a few AAA midget kids from the area of the same caliber that went to the Midwest and could not crack it. A 97 from VT left Proctor a few years ago. Was a point a game kid and has toiled out there for a few years. Just the ones off the top of my head.
And I have to say it again, No Disrespect intended!!! These kids are all talented, committed , hard working kids who are sacrificing a lot for a game they love. I would love for my kids to have these problems. Point is the NCDC is going to give many of these kids a better, cost effective option. If it proves viable my bet is they will be comparable to the Tier 2 leagues and the Canadians; BCHL, AJHL, CCHL, etc. Once they outgrow this local league, they may be better prepared for the USHL
anon
Anon
anon
You do realize that the majority of kids that left Prep this past year for the USHL either ended up in a lower league, stayed but did not play much, or came back to Prep. These kids are the better kids in Prep but not quite ready for Tier 1 Jr's. Perhaps if the NCDC had been around last season, they would have had a better option. USPHL Premiere would have smacked Prep around.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
Having a kid that plays Prep hockey, having seen the level of play in the USHL, and knowing kids that have made the jump, I'm just having a hard time seeing top players at top prep programs not able to play at the USHL level.
No disrespect intended. All of these kids are in great places and no doubt will have very successful careers. To answer your question:
Kid from Thayer who was the leading scorer in Prep as a Jr went out for Sr year and was back for Prep Season. Kid from Nobles came back for the season. TJW at Cushing was close to point a game in a season that he started off injured and was a -21 on 16 points in 47 games . Kid from BA who went out there and did not play much 53games 2 pointsts -12. Kid from AP, 2 games in the USHL. 43 games for SSK. There are others and a few AAA midget kids from the area of the same caliber that went to the Midwest and could not crack it. A 97 from VT left Proctor a few years ago. Was a point a game kid and has toiled out there for a few years. Just the ones off the top of my head.
And I have to say it again, No Disrespect intended!!! These kids are all talented, committed , hard working kids who are sacrificing a lot for a game they love. I would love for my kids to have these problems. Point is the NCDC is going to give many of these kids a better, cost effective option. If it proves viable my bet is they will be comparable to the Tier 2 leagues and the Canadians; BCHL, AJHL, CCHL, etc. Once they outgrow this local league, they may be better prepared for the USHL
Anon
anon
Anon
anon
You do realize that the majority of kids that left Prep this past year for the USHL either ended up in a lower league, stayed but did not play much, or came back to Prep. These kids are the better kids in Prep but not quite ready for Tier 1 Jr's. Perhaps if the NCDC had been around last season, they would have had a better option. USPHL Premiere would have smacked Prep around.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
They draft kids because they PROJECTS them for down the road. 1,2, 3 years down the road just as the NHL PROJECTS kids for down the road. That is why they draft them.
Having a kid that plays Prep hockey, having seen the level of play in the USHL, and knowing kids that have made the jump, I'm just having a hard time seeing top players at top prep programs not able to play at the USHL level.
No disrespect intended. All of these kids are in great places and no doubt will have very successful careers. To answer your question:
Kid from Thayer who was the leading scorer in Prep as a Jr went out for Sr year and was back for Prep Season. Kid from Nobles came back for the season. TJW at Cushing was close to point a game in a season that he started off injured and was a -21 on 16 points in 47 games . Kid from BA who went out there and did not play much 53games 2 pointsts -12. Kid from AP, 2 games in the USHL. 43 games for SSK. There are others and a few AAA midget kids from the area of the same caliber that went to the Midwest and could not crack it. A 97 from VT left Proctor a few years ago. Was a point a game kid and has toiled out there for a few years. Just the ones off the top of my head.
And I have to say it again, No Disrespect intended!!! These kids are all talented, committed , hard working kids who are sacrificing a lot for a game they love. I would love for my kids to have these problems. Point is the NCDC is going to give many of these kids a better, cost effective option. If it proves viable my bet is they will be comparable to the Tier 2 leagues and the Canadians; BCHL, AJHL, CCHL, etc. Once they outgrow this local league, they may be better prepared for the USHL
There are more and more strikingly are the goalies!! The majority of the Prep school goalies move out of the USHL pretty quickly. Other than KP, who is likely a 1st - 3rd round pick (NHL), they all ended up in NAHL, BCHL, USPHL.
Where are the once mighty and powerful Bay State Breakers??? Boy, how far have they fallen...
Level of USHL is a lot higher than most realize. Your talking about a 16 team league that feeds 60 NCAA programs. So it's not a league where the top 1/3 of players move on to the next level, nearly all will or could play NCAA and nearly all have or come to the league with a NCAA comittment in hand. The huge proponents of the leage will say that it's at the NCAA level already and in some regards you can see why they would say that. The top 1/3 of the teams in that league are on par with the NDP U18's and every year the U18's play a circuit of NCAA teams and win a number of those games. Also you can look at any number of recent USHL alum's and see that their production from USHL to NCAA goes up, not down when they move to on to college.
anon
Level of USHL is a lot higher than most realize. Your talking about a 16 team league that feeds 60 NCAA programs. So it's not a league where the top 1/3 of players move on to the next level, nearly all will or could play NCAA and nearly all have or come to the league with a NCAA comittment in hand. The huge proponents of the leage will say that it's at the NCAA level already and in some regards you can see why they would say that. The top 1/3 of the teams in that league are on par with the NDP U18's and every year the U18's play a circuit of NCAA teams and win a number of those games. Also you can look at any number of recent USHL alum's and see that their production from USHL to NCAA goes up, not down when they move to on to college.
All very good points. I would also add that the drop from Div1 to Div 2/3 in hockey is nothing like it is in other sports. With only 60 Div 1 programs plus 80 or so Div 2/3 programs there aren't that many spots. Every other sport you may have far more youth participants but so many programs spread across Div 1-3, NAIA, Jr College, etc. There is place for every athlete!!
To your point, the NDP U18 team during their late season east coast trip beats U Maine one night and loses handedly the next day verse UNE ( Div 3). I am sure there is much more to the story ( Long trip, back to back, clearing the bench, bad game, fluky goals, etc). Still point is, just to play college hockey at any level is quite an achievement
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
anon
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
Great insight! 1/3 of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. It seems if the ECHL was a more stable developmental league, than perhaps they could take on those aging out of Jr's and really not interested in the college education. These days it would be crazy not to go the NCAA route. IMHO
anon
anon
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
Great insight! 1/3 of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. It seems if the ECHL was a more stable developmental league, than perhaps they could take on those aging out of Jr's and really not interested in the college education. These days it would be crazy not to go the NCAA route. IMHO
True the demands are high but in hockey, travel is minimized and taking a high course load in the summer is how most achieve the student part of student athlete. I'm sure some choose basket weaving 101 but I think that is more of the exception than the rule.
Anon
anon
anon
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
Great insight! 1/3 of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. It seems if the ECHL was a more stable developmental league, than perhaps they could take on those aging out of Jr's and really not interested in the college education. These days it would be crazy not to go the NCAA route. IMHO
Agreed. Create a good educational foundation, have a great experiance as a college athlete ( D1,2,3) and enjoy the journey wherever it takes you.
I was talking to a local dad who's kid plays in the NHL. I asked him when did they know? He said they really never did. He said his son just kept seeing the other players making the next step up and figured, he could too. Next thing you know he is playing in the NHL making a great living, playing a game he is passionate about. He may have been showing some humility but in any case that really stuck with me!
Good luck to your kid on his journey.
Anon
anon
anon
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
Great insight! 1/3 of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. It seems if the ECHL was a more stable developmental league, than perhaps they could take on those aging out of Jr's and really not interested in the college education. These days it would be crazy not to go the NCAA route. IMHO
You do realize that 80% of what you guys are talking about isn't realistic for 98% of the local kids?
Depends on the subset of kids you are referring to. If your saying any kid who ever laced up skates on the town mite c team, then yes, talk of juniors/college hockey is not applicable. Good observation.
anon
Depends on the subset of kids you are referring to. If your saying any kid who ever laced up skates on the town mite c team, then yes, talk of juniors/college hockey is not applicable. Good observation.
anon
Anon
anon
anon
And it's only going to get tougher as the doors are more open now than ever to Canadian and EU/Russian players. USHL just opened the door to more import players and NCAA has no limits. Major Junior is really feeling the pinch from NCAA. NCAA fills a gap that MJ can't fill, which is where do kids play when they age out of juniors but are not ready for NHL/AHL etc. QMJHL is really dying on the vine in terms of being an NHL pipeline league and the OHL has very high end talent that jump to NHL, but if you project to be a mid level player in that league, more are looking to USHL/NCAA as a better path because you can now develop in a great situation between 21-24 and then see if you are NHL caliber.
Great insight! 1/3 of all NHL players played NCAA hockey. It seems if the ECHL was a more stable developmental league, than perhaps they could take on those aging out of Jr's and really not interested in the college education. These days it would be crazy not to go the NCAA route. IMHO
You do realize that 80% of what you guys are talking about isn't realistic for 98% of the local kids?
Yes, i realize that but i am pretty sure the majority of this board does not. Don't take away the "Dangling Carrot"
You guys finally nailed it. After all, why let you kids run the risk of being disapointed. Just tell them outright that the odds are against them so don't bother trying. Bravo.
"Enjoy the journey wherever it may take you"
So when a kid is drafted, does that mean he has already told the team he will do it? Or is it a pig-in-a-poke like getting drafted into the Q and they hope you'll start studying French ASAP?
What do you think? There are many good players, some better than the ones that were picked. So with 10 total picks, why draft a lesser player or any player if you had no idea if they were even interested in playing? 
anon
So when a kid is drafted, does that mean he has already told the team he will do it? Or is it a pig-in-a-poke like getting drafted into the Q and they hope you'll start studying French ASAP?
Just like USHL I am sure noone was drafted without getting a phone call or two
Provided that USHL affiliates are eligible to be rostered on NCDC teams, it's a worthwhile gamble.
In some cases, a young USHL draftee doesn't make the team out of camp, and then has to find a place to play/develop for a year+. Prep used to be the only option, but now that kid could play NCDC for a year, or until he makes the USHL roster.
Older kids could also realize they are outgrowing Prep, and see NCDC as a better option than playing against younger kids for another year.
Anon
anon
Anon
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Anon
On website.
Not sure why they would draft players with D1 deals already drafted by a USHL team. I suppose the thinking is, maybe they want stay home. But, in my mind, there's not yet a choice to be made, if my kid had to choose.
Not sure why they would draft players with D1 deals already drafted by a USHL team. I suppose the thinking is, maybe they want stay home. But, in my mind, there's not yet a choice to be made, if my kid had to choose.
Kids might not be ready for USHL and need that one transition year. Makes a lot of sense actually. Can't see teams drafting kids without talking to them in advance like the USHL does, so I would imagine there is a reason.
And I completely agree - there's no decision to be made. If you are USHL ready you go. My son is not at only 17 so we are looking forward to him being in this league for the year and he was USHL drafted and has gotten D1 offers.
Who knows, you may be right. Guess we'll see.
He wasn't ever really interested in the Prep route so this makes sense for us in his situation. He had chances to play for a lot of the top prep schools but just didn't think that was the path for him. It's not the only route now - there are a lot of different options and that's a good thing.
The level of play in the USHL is certainly strong, don't get me wrong, but it isn't off the charts. I would offer that a kid getting NCAA D1 attention and playing top line/top pair (or close to it) at a top Prep is USHL ready at 17, 18 (age at the start of the year) at the latest.
Sounds like you are viewing the NCDC as the equivalent of Top Prep, and it may very well be. It's a bit too soon to know that, IMO.
Played 16U full season for 2 years with some 18U also last year. Skills and speed are ready, but I believe he needs to fill out a little more before going out which he wants to do next year for certain. Doesn't seem right to send him out for next year if he falls into a situation where he would be a 6th or 7th D. I guess I will find out in a few weeks at the camp though what their interest level is for now.